U.S. House of Representative Passes PRESS Shield Bill

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, September 19, 2022 | 4:36pm CT

U.S. Congress

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act (PRESS Act), which would establish protections for journalists at the federal level regarding the revelation of their confidential sources except in defined circumstances such as threats to national security. H.R. 4330 was introduced by Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), John Yarmuth (D-KY) and Ted Lieu (D-CA) in April.

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, "NAB commends the House of Representatives for passing the PRESS Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. A free press is a necessary and vital hallmark of American democracy, enabling the unencumbered reporting of news and information that affects our communities, our nation and the world.

"This legislation honors the sanctity of journalists' relationship with their sources and ensures members of the press may continue their important work without fear or favor. We appreciate the leadership of Reps. Raskin, Lieu and Yarmuth on this legislation and look forward to working with their counterparts in the Senate to pass this important bill into law."